CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia State Police initiated a pursuit with 25-year-old Wesley Gibson of Charlottesville Monday night. The pursuit, which began on I-64 in Albemarle County, ended after the suspect crashed his vehicle on Ridge St, the agency announced.
VSP has since charged Gibson with driving under the influence, eluding, and possession of a concealed weapon. Additional charges are possible.
“At approximately 7:47 p.m. Monday, a Virginia State Trooper spotted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the suspect vehicle refused to stop,” State Police spokesman Matt Demlein told Cville Right Now. “A pursuit was initiated that continued for a short time westbound until the suspect vehicle exited the interstate at Exit 120 headed toward the City of Charlottesville on 5th St.”
State Police terminated the pursuit on 5th St., after the suspect vehicle ran a red light at 5th and Ridge streets, VSP said.
“The suspect vehicle swerved to avoid a vehicle and struck a catering van, then struck two unoccupied parked vehicles,” Demlein said.
Charlottesville Police announced around 8 p.m. that Ridge St. was shut down for a period of time between Cherry Ave. and Oak St while first responders administered the scene.
Gibson sustained minor injuries from the incident, and the driver and passenger in the van also sustained minor injuries.
Gibson is being held in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
